Search Results (2,390)

The study explores innovative crosslinking processes for biopolymer gel materials using amino acids and ion-redox initiators to significantly enhance their structural and functional properties. Advanced analytical techniques, including FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, TGA, DSC, ToF-SIMS, SEM/EDS, GPC/SEC, and elemental analysis, were employed for comprehensive material characterization. The synthesized materials show potential applications in packaging and medicine, particularly for single-use products with short life cycles. Two crosslinking strategies were developed. The first combines gelatin with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA); keratin hydrolysate; and amino acids such as cysteine, hydroxyproline, proline, and histidine. The second employs endogenous cysteine, activated by ion-redox initiators, leveraging its trans-sulfuration ability to form highly stable polymer networks with optimized mechanical and thermal properties. Notably, the synergy between cysteine and potassium persulfate redox initiators proved particularly effective, making this approach attractive for industrial applications. This study introduces novel crosslinking methods and highlights the potential of amino acid-based strategies for designing advanced biopolymer gels with enhanced properties. Full article

An important way to realize urban–rural integration and regional coordinated development is to attract labor forces back to rural areas. Most of the existing studies consider the impact of individual factors on population migration, they lack a systematic framework to analyze the combined impact of different factors on rural return migration. Furthermore, in practice, the interaction within the rural social ecosystem as an important driver of return migration is always ignored. Using data from 131 villages in 14 cities in Guangxi, China, combined with the Coupled Infrastructure System framework and the sustainable livelihoods framework, this paper analyzes the comprehensive impact of internal components of the rural social ecosystem on return migration. Qualitative comparative analysis is used to identify four condition combinations that can effectively promote return migration and five condition combinations that make return migration vulnerable. The main conclusions are as follows. First, high-level public infrastructure providers are an important driving factor for labor return to rural areas, and a substitution effect exists between them and livelihood capitals. Second, sufficient human capital and social capital are crucial for return migration, highlighting the importance of the structure of rural members and the collective atmosphere. Third, natural capital and economic capital emphasized by previous research are not key conditions for forming a high level of return migration. Fourth, the vulnerability of return migration is mainly caused by the decline of social capital, the loss of public infrastructure providers, and excessive dependence on economic or physical capital input. To attract return migration, rural areas need to pay attention to the integration and synergy of multi-dimensional capital and public infrastructure providers, and special emphasis should be placed on the cultivation of public leadership to promote the enhancement of human capital and social capital. This paper provides a more comprehensive and instrumental analytical perspective for understanding and promoting rural return migration. While deepening the understanding of the dynamic relationship between rural social ecosystem and labor mobility, it also offers policy insights for developing countries to achieve integrated urban–rural development. Full article

Building an ecologically sustainable civilization and promoting green development not only make up the new motive power for China’s economic growth but are also an inevitable choice for achieving the “Dual Carbon” goal. This paper draws on the results of China’s provincial panels from 2012 to 2021 and constructs a thorough assessment index system for green finance that includes five dimensions: standardized system, disclosure of information, policy incentives, products and market, international cooperation. The influence mechanism of green finance on the realization of the “Dual Carbon” goal is revealed based on both quantity and caliber perspectives of green technological innovation, and the governments’ and markets’ regulating roles are analyzed. The study’s findings imply that (1) green finance facilitates the achievement of the “Dual Carbon” goal; (2) green finance helps to achieve the “Dual Carbon” goal by boosting green technology innovation and, compared with strategic green innovation, the effect of substantive green innovation is more significant; and (3) government support and increased marketization can bolster green finance’s contribution to accomplishing the goal. This study not only theoretically breaks through the limitations of the existing green finance evaluation index but also expands the single “quantity” channel of the impact of green finance on carbon emissions to a more comprehensive “quantity” and “caliber” channel, and also provides countermeasures and guidelines for how to better play the “synergy” of the government and the market in the practice of green finance. Full article

Monitoring animal welfare on farms and in research settings is attracting increasing interest, both for ethical reasons and for improving productivity through the early detection of stress or diseases. In contrast to video-based monitoring, which requires good light conditions and has difficulty tracking specific animals, recent advances in the miniaturization of wearable devices allow for the collection of acceleration and location data to track individual animal behavior. However, for broilers, there are several challenges to address when using wearables, such as coping with (i) the large numbers of chickens in commercial farms,(ii)the impact of their rapid growth, and (iii) the small weights that the devices must have to be carried by the chickens without any impact on their health or behavior. To this end, this paper describes a pilot study in which chickens were fitted with devices containing an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) sensor. To establish guidelines for practitioners who want to monitor broiler welfare and activity at different scales, we first compare the attachment methods of the wearables to the broiler chickens, taking into account their effectiveness (in terms of retention time) and their impact on the broiler’s welfare. Then, we establish the technical requirements to carry out such a study, and the challenges that may arise. This analysis involves aspects such as noise estimation, synergy between UWB and IMU, and the measurement of activity levels based on the monitoring of chicken activity. We show that IMU data can be used for detecting activity level differences between individual animals and environmental conditions. UWB data can be used to monitor the positions and movement patterns of up to 200 animals simultaneously with an accuracy of less than 20 cm. We also show that the accuracy depends on installation aspects and that errors are larger at the borders of the monitored area. Attachment with sutures had the longest mean retention of 19.5 days, whereas eyelash glue had the shortest mean retention of 3 days. To conclude the paper, we identify current challenges and future research lines in the field. Full article

This hyperscanning study explores the central (hemodynamic) and peripheral (autonomic) markers of persuasion within a shared decision-making process. Decision-making was examined through a task where two decision-makers assumed the role of Persuader (P-der) and Persuaded (P-ded), with the P-der aiming to increase group decision orientation in the P-ded. Data were collected from 14 dyads using functional near-infrared spectroscopy to measure prefrontal cortex (PFC) hemodynamic activity and collection and recording of autonomic indices including heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV). The analysis focused on two phases: Phase 1, where the P-der presented the scenario and enacted their persuasive strategy, and Phase 2, characterized by the P-ded’s response. The results revealed significant effects on the dissimilarity indices at the dyadic level. Compared with Phase 1, Phase 2 included higher oxygenated hemoglobin dissimilarity in the PFC, indicating greater inter-dyadic divergence during the P-ded’s response. HR dissimilarity increased when the P-ded spoke, suggesting disrupted synergy, while HRV dissimilarity was higher when the P-der spoke, potentially reflecting differences in stress regulation. These findings suggest that neurophysiological coherence varies based on persuasion phases within shared decision-making, with P-ded introducing greater dissonance in dyads synergy. Compared with single-subject approaches, dyadic analyses offer a more accurate understanding of the interpersonal nature of persuasion dynamics during decision-making. Full article

Quercetin in Taraxacum mongolicum was extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction in synergy with an ionic liquid–enzyme complex system, and the antioxidant function of quercetin was investigated based on network pharmacology. From 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide, and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, the first step was to choose the appropriate ionic liquid. Subsequently, a response surface methodology and single-factor experiment were used to optimize the extraction process. The quercetin and the key targets for antioxidants were obtained from a public database. Antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring the scavenging rate of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and hydroxyl radicals(•OH). The approach revealed that the optimal extraction process was the liquid–solid ratio of 31.62:1 mL/g, enzymatic temperature of 55 °C, and the amount of cellulase added was 14.79% of the dry weight of dandelion. Under this condition, the yield of quercetin was 0.24 ± 0.011 mg/g, which was 1.3 times higher than that of the conventional reflux extraction method of 0.185 ± 0.015 mg/g. Pharmacological findings showed 57 cross-targets of quercetin with antioxidants. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that antioxidant function may be related to chemical carcinogenesis-reactive oxygen species, and the Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway. Quercetin has strong DPPH and •OH radical scavenging activity. The development and use of industrial dandelion are supported by this sustainable and effective method of extracting quercetin from dandelion. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major neurodegenerative dementia, with its complex pathophysiology challenging current treatments. Recent advancements have shifted the focus from the traditionally dominant amyloid hypothesis toward a multifactorial understanding of the disease. Emerging evidence suggests that while amyloid-beta (A$\beta$) accumulation is central to AD, it may not be the primary driver but rather part of a broader pathogenic process. Novel hypotheses have been proposed, including the role of tau protein abnormalities, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic neuroinflammation. Additionally, the gut–brain axis and epigenetic modifications have gained attention as potential contributors to AD progression. The limitations of existing therapies underscore the need for innovative strategies. This study explores the integration of machine learning (ML) in drug discovery to accelerate the identification of novel targets and drug candidates. ML offers the ability to navigate AD’s complexity, enabling rapid analysis of extensive datasets and optimizing clinical trial design. The synergy between these themes presents a promising future for more effective AD treatments. Full article

Glioblastoma (GB) is a highly malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis, with a median survival of only 14.6 months despite aggressive treatments. Resistance to chemotherapy, particularly temozolomide (TMZ), is a significant challenge. The DNA repair enzyme MGMT and glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) often mediate this resistance. Recent studies highlight the therapeutic potential of natural compounds, particularly delphinidins, found in deep purple berries. Delphinidins are known for their ability to inhibit NF-κB signaling, a critical pathway for GB progression, chemoresistance, and MGMT expression. Our research demonstrates that glycosylated delphinidins have potential adjuvant use in the treatment of GB, offering a promising natural strategy to combat TMZ resistance. Specifically, we observed that delphinidin 3,5 di-glucoside has potent anticancer effects when used alone. Meanwhile, delphinidin 3 glucoside acted in synergy with temozolomide to decrease cell viability, highlighting its potential as an adjuvant. It also exerted a faster and more sustained inhibition of NF-κB, highlighting its potential for long-lasting therapeutic effects. These findings open new avenues for targeted therapies against glioblastoma, particularly to overcome treatment resistance. Full article

Objective: There have been consistent concerns about a greater impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of younger people and females. We aimed to explore the potential synergistic effect of various pandemic-related stressors with age and sex on the mental health of the general Canadian household population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Using cross-sectional data from the Statistics Canada 2022 Mental Health and Access to Care Survey (MHACS), frequencies for major depressive episode (MDE), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), general psychological distress, and various pandemic-related and demographic factors were estimated. Odds ratios were estimated using binary logistic regression models. These estimates used a replicate bootstrapping procedure recommended by Statistics Canada. Finally, Relative Excess Risk due to Interaction (RERI) models were used for each outcome to evaluate the interactions of each pandemic-related stressor with age and sex on an additive scale. Results: Past-12-month MDE and GAD, psychological distress, and the various COVID-19 stressors were more prevalent in young people and females. Overall, the stressors were confirmed to be associated with these outcomes. There were greater-than-additive interactions between age and difficulty accessing healthcare, loneliness, physical health problems, household relationship challenges, and work stress; and between sex and severe illness of a loved one, loneliness, work stress, LGBTQ2+ status, marital status, difficulty accessing healthcare, physical health problems, job/income loss, and financial difficulties. Generally, evidence of synergy was found between age and pandemic-related stressors and sex and pandemic-related stressors. Conclusions: Greater-than-additive interactions of pandemic-related stressors with age and sex may indicate synergistic vulnerabilities within females and young people. Future pandemics, via corresponding stressors, may be associated with increased mental health vulnerability in females, youth, and especially young females. Full article

Viticulture, the science of growing, cultivating, and harvesting grapes, and enology, the art and science of making wine, are rapidly evolving through innovative approaches aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of grape and wine production. This review explores the emerging use of nanoparticles, in particular gold, silver, and magnetic nanoparticles, to improve the quality, safety, and sustainability of both grape growing and winemaking processes. The unique properties of these nanoparticles, such as their small size, high surface area, and distinct chemical properties, enable them to address key challenges within the industry. In viticulture, nanoparticles have shown potential in protecting vines from pathogens, optimizing grape yield, and improving quality. In enology, nanoparticles are making a significant contribution to microbial control, reducing spoilage and refining wine analysis techniques, leading to improved product quality and safety. This review also highlights the synergy between different types of nanoparticles and their diverse applications, from microbial control in wine production to their use in innovative packaging solutions. In addition, nanoparticles have the potential to reduce dependence on agrochemicals and improve the sustainability of wine production, which is a promising avenue for future research. However, the integration of nanoparticles in viticulture and enology also poses regulatory and safety challenges, including the potential for nanoparticles to leach into wine products. Further research and regulatory advances are essential to ensure the safe and effective use of these technologies in winemaking. Overall, nanoparticles offer significant benefits to the wine industry, driving improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and quality. Full article

In artificial grassland systems, the extensive use of inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizers has greatly enhanced grassland yields but also caused significant environmental issues. The combined use of biochar and N fertilizer is recognized as an effective and sustainable approach to reducing environmental risks while boosting crop production. However, the specific impacts of biochar and N on alfalfa yield, soil properties, and root morphology remain unclear. This study examined the effects of three biochar application rates (0, 10, 20 t hm⁻²) and four N application levels (0, 47, 94, 188 kg N hm⁻² yr⁻¹) on alfalfa growth and soil characteristics. Results revealed that biochar notably promoted root development and increased osmoregulatory substance content. It enhanced root biomass by improving root nodule count, root neck bud formation, and root neck diameter, while N application reduced root nodule numbers. Biochar and N application reduced soil bulk density by 0.8–10.5%, with biochar further increasing available phosphorus and potassium levels. Additionally, their combined use significantly elevated soil nitrate and ammonium concentrations. Overall, the synergy of biochar and nitrogen application enhances alfalfa yield by fostering better root growth and improving soil fertility. Full article

This study focuses on the 13 cities within the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration, developing a sophisticated rating index system grounded in a factor–environment–effect framework to assess the coupling and coordinated development of the cultural and tourism industries across the region, alongside their spatiotemporal evolution dynamics. The study further delves into the internal constraints and external driving forces, aiming to identify the current state and key bottlenecks of regional cultural–tourism integration. The findings indicate that: (1) On the whole, the cultural and tourism industries in the region exhibit a fluctuating yet upward trajectory, with a robust coupling between the two systems. The coupling coordination has transitioned from the “uncoordinated state” to the “transition stage”. (2) Regionally, the degree of coupling coordination evolves from “uncoordinated” to “coordinated”. Cities have progressively advanced in their coupling coordination levels and shown certain spatial clustering characteristics. Based on the evolving types of coupling coordination, six distinct patterns are identified. Beijing and Tianjin have emerged as models of synchronized cultural–tourism development, while cities in Hebei are increasingly shifting toward a tourism-prioritized development model. (3) Cultural development effects represent the primary obstacle factors, while technological innovation, urban infrastructure, digital construction, and government investment emerge as the major driving forces. Specifically, the interactions between industrial structure and government investment, industrial structure and technological innovation, and urban environment and economic scale have a more significant impact on the development of the cultural–tourism coupling coordination development. Based on the preceding analysis, it is recommended to implement targeted policy measures to enhance collaboration between Beijing, Tianjin, and the surrounding cities in critical sectors. This should focus on expanding the synergies between culture and tourism, leveraging digital technologies to foster innovation and integration within the cultural and tourism industries. Such initiatives will help mitigate the regional disparities in the development of cultural–tourism integration and promote a more balanced and sustainable growth trajectory. Full article

Exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation in occupational settings raises concerns about chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and their potential impact on genomic stability. Copy number variations (CNVs), structural genomic changes, influence susceptibility to environmental stressors and radiation-induced damage. This study analyzed CAs in 180 nuclear power plant workers exposed to occupational radiation and 45 controls, stratified by GSTM1 and GSTT1 CNVs. Workers exhibited significantly higher frequencies of chromatid-type and chromosome-type aberrations, of 5.47 and 3.01 per 500 cells, respectively, compared to 3.57 and 0.64 in controls (p < 0.001 for both). In the relatively high-exposure group, chromatid-type aberrations decreased with increasing GSTM1 and GSTT1 copy numbers. For GSTM1, individuals with zero copies showed 6.37 ± 3.47 aberrations per 500 cells, compared to 5.02 ± 3.05 for one copy and 4.67 ± 2.40 for two or more copies (p = 0.06). A similar trend was observed for GSTT1, with 6.00 ± 3.29 aberrations per 500 cells for zero copies, 5.38 ± 2.79 for one copy, and 4.11 ± 4.26 for two or more copies (p = 0.05). Poisson regression analysis further supported these findings after adjusting for potential confounders such as age, smoking status, and alcohol intake. Workers with null genotypes exhibited a 1.36-fold increase in chromatid-type aberrations compared to those with higher copy numbers under relatively high-exposure conditions, suggesting a synergy effect between GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes in modulating radiation-induced aberrations. These findings underscore the role of genetic susceptibility, particularly involving GSTM1 and GSTT1 CNVs, in modulating radiation-induced chromosomal damage. The observed gene–environment interaction in the relatively high-exposure group suggests that pre-existing CNVs contribute to chromosomal instability under radiation exposure. Full article

Phenolic antioxidant intake is encouraged to prevent oxidative damage, and antioxidant synergy is considered an advantage in adding polyphenols from varied plants. This study investigated the antioxidant and synergistic interactions among olive leaf (OL), bay laurel (BL), and rosemary (RL) leaf powder mixture (LPM: OL + BL + RL), using in vitro chemical tests [TPC, ORAC, TEAC-ABTS, FRAP; combination index (CI)], and in vivo validation on blood oxidative status, metabolic profile, and intestinal histomorphology in laying hens. The in vitro study indicated a whole higher antioxidant capacity for the LPM than respective single/double-leave combinations. The LPM CI value (IC50, 0.60) indicated a synergistic effect compared to the binary combinations. Thus, the LPM was validated in vivo through dietary supplementation on sixty Lohmann Brown hens (30 weeks old), reared in an indoor–outdoor rearing system divided. The hens were allocated into two experimental groups (n. 30): basal control diet group; and diet supplemented group with 6 g/kg feed of LPM) containing OL, BL, and RL (respectively, at 65.7%:18.9%:15.4%), for 60 days. The LPM improved (p < 0.05) the oxidative status (TAS, FRAP; ROMs, TBARs) and vitamin E level, metabolic and immunological profiles, and it induced region-specific changes in the morphology and carbohydrate composition of mucins along intestinal tracts of the animals. These findings could provide a valuable strategy for identifying synergistic combinations in functional feed formulations for laying hens. Full article

This study applied response surface methodology (RSM) to optimise process parameters for rum fermentation. The primary aim was to enhance ethanol productivity through refined molasses conditioning and fermentation. Polyacrylamide flocculants were evaluated for molasses clarification, identifying an optimised blend which significantly outperformed individual flocculants. Statistical analyses revealed Flopam AN 956 SH as the top performer based on settling behaviour and mud qualities. Mixture modelling exposed optimised flocculant formulations that outperformed individual flocculants, indicating synergistic interactions. A central composite design (CCD) systematically evaluated the effects of temperature, oxygenation, and nutrient supplementation on yeast growth kinetics. It determined that 5 ppm O₂, 32.19 °C, and 2.5% nutrients maximised the specific growth rate at 0.39 h⁻¹ and ethanol yield at 9.84% v/v. The models characterised interactions, revealing nutrient–oxygen synergies that stimulated metabolism. Overall, fermentation efficiency and assurance for ethanol yield were increased through comprehensive multi-scale optimisation utilising factorial designs, validated analytics, and quantitative strain characterisation. Full article